Gift Ideas For the Genealogist

600DPI Colour & Mono HandyScan Handheld Scanner - $61.99 - Handheld scanner HandyScan PS-410 is easy to use. It has a built-in realtime Scanning Detector to avoid distortion, and over-speed alert to control scanning speed. Both 600 or 300 dpi, color or monochrome scanning options are provided. The JPEG files can be saved directly to your micro SD or to your computer through the USB port. It supports Windows 7 / Vista / XP and Mac OS10.4 or above without installing a driver. A built-in display shows the selected resolution, remaining battery life, and memory status. Bonus optical character recognition software included! Powered by 2 x AA batteries, that can approximately scan 200 pages. .

lumixdmcs3.jpg - $86.99 - Encourage that special Genealogist to capture those photo memories give them the Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 14.1 MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 2.7-Inch LCD. When you don't know which mode will give you the best shooting results, or when a sudden photo opportunity pops up and you don't have time to change any settings, simply choose the iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode and let the camera do it all for you. Just choose the iA Mode, aim at your subject, and shoot. Four detection and correction functions are simultaneously activated to optimize the settings, so you get stunning photos every time. Optical Image Stabilizer in the DMC-S3 compensates for the blurring caused by hand-shake. The Lumix also features the The Face Detection AF/AE function*1 detects faces and automatically optimizes the focus and exposure settings. The reviews on this camera were very positive.

Kodak Mini Video Camera with SD Card - $45.39 - Some moments in life need an instant replay button. Give the Kodak Mini Video Camera this Christmas to your favorite genealogist and they'll grab that special moment. The size of a credit card this video camera easily slides into a pocket. With one touch, the Kodak Mini captures all the highlights, and the pop-out USB arm makes it simple to share the fun on Facebook and YouTube sites. Capture more moments thanks to the rechargeable Li-Polymer battery with in-camera charging. Includes great video software so you can edit your videos or add effects. It's even waterproof. It is EASY,EASY,EASY to figure out charging and use. The camera works great right out of the box and is a great price for a fun little video cam to keep around for those spur of the moment memories.

Pentax Optio RS1000 14 MP Digital Camera - $97.95 - Enhance that special Genealogist's ability to capture those photo memories. Get them a Pentax Optio RS1000 14 MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom and 3-Inch LCD. The Optio RS1000 features a removable transparent acrylic panel on the face of the body. With the 14 megapixels imaging engine and the high-performance smc Pentax optical zoom lens, the Optio RS1000 delivers brilliant, high-quality images with well-defined details. The Optio RS1000 boasts the Pentax Auto Picture mode to automatically select the most appropriate shooting setting for a given subject or scene by accurately assessing various photographic conditions. This user-friendly mode instantly selects one of the 15 shooting modes and optimizes various camera settings, including sensitivity and shutter speed, to assure the best results with minimal effort by the user. The Optio RS1000 features sophisticated Face Detection AF & AE ability to automatically detect and capture human faces and Smile Capture that automatically releases the shutter the moment the camera detects the subject's smile and Natural Skin mode that captures subjects with smooth, healthy skin tones. Other features include Digital Shake Reduction function to effectively compensate for camera shake during still-image shooting, Burst Shooting at a speed of 16 images in two seconds, Auto-tracking AF mode to keep constant focus on a moving subject, and many more. For the price this camera cannot be beat; even the negative reviews on Amazon were mostly positive.

Sony AX412 Digital Voice Recorder - $63.95 - The Sony ICD-AX412 Digital Flash Memory Voice Recorder has some great features that will make recording family history interviews easier. For instance it has a built-in 2 GB flash memory, it records in MP3, it has about 72 hours of battery life, it comes with a built in stand so you get a better quality recording and you can bookmark your recording. Click the link above to read the rave reviews of this recorder. For more information about digital records, see our article on Preserving Family Stories Using a Digital Voice Recorder.

Olympus Digital Voice Recorder - $69.99 - These handy devices allow you to easily record conversations and then transfer the sound files to your computer for storage or editing. A great way to record family history interviews and capture the memory of a loved one’s voice. For more information, see our article on Preserving Family Stories Using a Digital Voice Recorder.

Rockland 20" Expandable Hardside Carry-On - $55.00 - The Rockland 20" Expandable ABS Hardside Carry-On comes in Assorted Colors and is the ideal gift for the genealogists who must travel to distant homelands for research. It is extremely lightweight and durable. It allows you to pack more while avoiding the excess weight surcharges imposed by most airlines. This Rockland Expandable ABS Carry On will provide easy portability and protect the contents of your luggage.

16-Inch On-Board Rolling Tote - $57.99 - This is a great buy for the genealogy traveler on your gift list. The original list price on Ricardo Beverly Hills Essentials 16-Inch On-Board Rolling Tote was $120. This carry-on is made of Durable water-resistant polycord. It has a huge main packing compartment with easy to pack top loading opening. The Heavy padded sleeve makes a safe place for laptops or cameras and it has a 10 year warranty.

Generation Maps Gift Card - $50 - Generation Maps offers beautiful custom family tree charts, as well as other working and blank charts that would be useful to any genealogist. A gift certificate allows your friend or family member to select their own, personalized chart. Available in amounts of $25 or $50.

Tear Drop Pendant with Engraved Photo - $69.95 - "Pictures On Gold" will engrave a photo of your choice on this beautiful 3/4 inch x 1 inch Sterling Silver teardrop pendant. A great gift for any family member. Other designs and metals are available. To make your gift even more special, you can have the pendant engraved with a personal message.